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Wednesday 28 June 2023

New Release: Ripening Passion [Passion Series, bk 2] by Adriana Kraft #eroticromance #LGBTQIA #laterinlife

I have a Wicked Wednesday treat for you, dear readers. The Dynamic Duo that is Adriana Kraft is back with a sneak peek from their new release! Take it away, Adriana...

Picture this: The year is 2006. You’re a bisexual woman in your late fifties, and your only significant love relationship was with a woman who died of cancer four years ago. What does your future hold? What do you hope for?

Meet Claire Johnson, heroine of Ripening Passion. As with so many single professional mid-life women, satisfaction and meaning for her have become focused on career. Relationships take second place if they’re on the radar screen at all.

Claire is extremely happy with her work. She helped found and now co-directs a cutting-edge center for human sexuality in New York City, where she’s lived ever since her college graduation in the late sixties—an era of great social and sexual upheaval. Taking stock of her upscale Manhattan apartment, her trusted work colleagues, and her mission to enhance the sexual lives of others, she sees nothing she’d want to change, now or in the future.

Enter Max Wilson.  


Can Max melt the Ice Queen? Should he even try?

Claire Johnson’s dedication to sex—the cornerstone of her career—led her to help found the Center for Sexuality and Sex Practices. Now in her fifties, she knows the Center must keep pace with the rapidly growing Baby Boomer market, so she agrees to go back on camera for a series on sex and aging. But work with her nemesis?

Former English Professor Max Wilson has championed the cause of the Center ever since his now deceased wife sought the Center’s help to rekindle the nearly extinguished sexual flames of their relationship. He loves working on camera and welcomes the challenge to perform with the svelte but icy temptress.

Sparks fly immediately on and off camera. The jury is out on whether either Max or Claire can transform those sparks into a fire of sexual desire for their viewers—let alone for each other.

UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK

https://books2read.com/u/4D82BP


Book Information 


Title: Ripening Passion
Series: Passion Series, Book Two

Published by: eXtasy Books
ISBN: 978-1-4874-3813-5
Length: 254 pages, 75813 words
Publication Date: June 2, 2023

Genres: Erotic Romance, LGBTQIA, Contemporary Romance
Tags: Menage, Bisexual, New York City, Later in Life

Heat Level: Four Flames

Pairings: MF, FF, FFF, FMF, MFM

R Rated

“There sure are a lot of power walkers out this evening,” Claire said

Max chuckled. “Do you suppose they’re power walkers, or are they just people in a rush to get somewhere?”

“Good point. I imagine I used to rush like that.”

“But not anymore?”

Claire shook her head, cradling his hand. “Not anymore. Time is rushing faster than I can manage. Don’t stare, but take a peek at the young couple at about two o’clock braced against the tree making out. They do seem to enjoy kissing.”

Max looked, then nibbled Claire’s ear. “Who’s staring? You do have radar for lovers.”

“Cripes, she’s riding his knee. Oh my, a girl after my own heart. Max, she’s hanging onto his shoulder for dear life, but she’s not surrendering her perch on his thigh for anything. He’s looking around. Oops, I think he caught me watching. Ah.” Claire sighed. “She stopped, now they’re kissing wildly again.” Claire squeezed his fingers on her breast. “That girl had a damn good ride. Oh, to be young lovers again.”

“Being old lovers isn’t bad.” Max dipped his fingers under the fabric covering her breast.

“If that couple were to look across the way at us, they’d never guess I’m sitting here with my man caressing my nipple. And”—she turned and kissed his cheek—“that I’m wet as hell.”

“You could probably hump my knee and they wouldn’t even notice because they don’t expect it. That’s one advantage with age. People don’t expect us to be horny or do outrageous things.”

“So true. And there’s something quite gratifying about defying their limited expectations. Perhaps we should go over and share our wisdom with the youngsters.”

Max shook his head. “I doubt they’d listen.

 https://books2read.com/u/4D82BP




Adriana Kraft is the pen name for a married pair of retired professors writing erotic romance and erotic romantic suspense together. We like to think we’ve broken the mold for staid, fusty academics, and we hope lots of former profs are enjoying life as much as we are.

Having lived in many states across the Midwest, we now make our home in southern Arizona, where we enjoy hiking, golf, and travel, especially to the many Arizona Native American historical sites.

Together we have published more than fifty romance novels and novellas to outstanding reviews. Whether readers open our romantic suspense or our erotic romance, they can expect characters they care about, hot sex scenes, and a compelling story.

Tuesday 27 June 2023

NEW RELEASE from Lucy Felthouse – Curve Appeal, a standalone contemporary reverse harem/why choose romance! (@cw1985) #reverseharem #whychoose #rh #rhromance #eroticromance #bbw #curvyheroine #rubenesque

Blurb:

An exciting opportunity could solve all Brianna's problems. But will it ultimately create more?

Brianna Denton is a primary school teacher at the end of her tether. Budget cuts, changes in legislation and a pandemic have left her feeling like walking away from the only career she's ever wanted. The trouble is, if she did quit, what would she do next? Living in London is expensive, and keeping on top of her rent and bills while retraining would be nigh-on impossible. An offer to move in with her best friend, Joel Harris, is appreciated, but feels way too much like charity for her liking.

But then Joel throws her a curveball. On a complete whim, he's bought a fixer-upper cottage on a remote Scottish island. He wants to transform it into an uber-luxury holiday home and rent it out. To do that, however, he needs a skilled, reliable workforce and a project manager to keep things running smoothly. A visit to the island in question provides as many questions as answers, but one thing becomes clear - Brianna is the perfect woman for the job. She's smart, organised, works well under duress, and if she can handle a classroom full of young children, surely a bunch of skilled tradesmen won't be a problem. Working and living in such a stunning setting is a massive plus point, too.

Brianna takes a leap of faith, leaving her home and beloved career behind to help turn Joel's dream into a reality. It's a steep learning curve, but Brianna is definitely up for the challenge. But when working relationships develop into something more, will it bring the entire project crashing down around her ears, or is it simply the beginning of a whole new life?

Available from (will be in Kindle Unlimited for 90 days, then be released on all other retailers): https://books2read.com/curveappeal

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/134717777-curve-appeal

Add to BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/curve-appeal-by-lucy-felthouse

Excerpt:

Chapter One

Brianna smiled as she caught sight of Joel, already waiting for her outside the pub. His job as a high-flying London City banker meant he put in some insane hours at work, but he ensured he was always available and on time for their last-Friday-of-the-month meet up at their favourite Thames-side establishment. Not only was it a lovely place, but the location was perfect for them both—it was just far away enough from Joel’s work it was unlikely he’d bump into any colleagues, and close enough to the primary school Brianna taught in that she could tie up any loose ends and scurry the short distance to meet her friend in no time at all. Today she’d had quite a few loose ends, which always seemed to be the way lately, and was a few minutes later than she’d planned, so was scurrying more quickly than usual, not wanting to keep him waiting any longer than necessary.

He hadn’t spotted her yet—he was leaning against the wall, one expensively-shod foot propped up on the bricks behind him, his head tilted up to the early spring sunshine, which even this late in the day was surprisingly strong and picked up the few lighter strands in his dark hair. He’d removed his tie—knowing him, the moment he set foot outside his office building—the end of which poked from the pocket of his black trousers, and rolled up the cuffs of his subtly-patterned shirt to expose most of his forearms. The look was casual, relaxed. Handsome.

In a parallel universe, she and Joel might be a couple, off travelling the world together, or perhaps married and getting ready to settle down and have a couple of kids. Maybe they’d have started early and had the kids already. And a dog.

In this universe, however, they were best friends—had been since their first day of senior school at the tender age of eleven. And while Brianna thought Joel handsome, it was in an impartial, stating a fact way. She wasn’t attracted to him, and it wouldn’t have made a difference if she was, because in this universe, Joel was as gay as they came—a fact she hadn’t realised she’d already known, until at eighteen he’d sat her down, his expression serious, and said he had something to tell her.

Her heart had pounded, and a sick feeling had taken over her stomach. Thoughts started racing through her head—was one of his parents ill? Was he ill? Was he moving away? Unable to cope with the internal onslaught of negativity any longer, she’d said, “For Christ’s sake, Joel, spill the beans, would you? You’re freaking me the fuck out.”

His seriousness had morphed briefly to annoyance, then resignation. He’d taken in and released a deep breath, then, “Bree, I wanted you to be the first to know… I’m gay.”

A sound somewhere between a squeak and a giggle had escaped her lips before she could stop it. She’d clapped her hand over her mouth for a second, then removed it and burst out with “Oh, you idiot!” before landing a playful slap on his arm. “Is that all? I thought you were going to say something bad. That something terrible was going on. Thank God.”

Joel had frowned. “So you… don’t mind?” He’d paused, narrowed his eyes. “You don’t seem surprised.”

She’d shaken her head. “Of course I don’t mind. Why the hell would I mind? I’m not a homophobe. If blokes float your boat, so be it. As long as you’re happy, I couldn’t give a toss. And, for the record…” it had been her turn to pause, “I think I’ve known for years.” She nodded as long-forgotten jigsaw pieces began slotting together in her head, then shrugged. “Yeah. I have. Years.”

And now, twenty years later, their friendship had endured—flourished, even. Weathered storms, and basked in sunlight—much as Joel continued to do as she grew closer. Her smile widened, and she was glad she had on flat shoes—not only did it make both her job and the short walk from the school easier, it also meant she had a good chance of creeping up on Joel, maybe scaring the shit out of him as he sunned himself. They might be approaching forty, but when they were together, they often acted as immature and idiotic as they had when they’d first met. Yes, they were getting older, but they sure as shit weren’t growing up.

Respective partners had come and gone, most of them never able to comprehend, much less tolerate, hers and Joel’s unique friendship, but as their jobs, and other friends and family kept them busy and fulfilled, singledom had never particularly concerned either of them. As far as she was concerned, at least, what would be, would be.

She enjoyed the sunshine on her skin as she closed the gap between them, then held her breath as she came within a couple of metres of Joel before flinging herself forward and grabbing onto his nearest finely-muscled arm. “Gotcha!”

He yelped, jumped, snatched his arm away and opened his eyes in a hilarious sequence, then clutched his chest and gave her a good-natured glare, his blue eyes glinting. “Fuck’s sake, Bree! You’re lucky I didn’t swing for you, then. I thought someone was trying to rob me.”

“That’ll teach you to wear ludicrously expensive watches,” she replied with a snicker.

He glanced wryly at his Patek Philippe, then looked back at her with a grin. “Touché. Come on,” he turned around, slipped his arm through hers and led her into the relative gloom of the pub, “for that twattishness, first drink’s on you.”

She couldn’t argue with that reasoning. It was still worth it, though, to see the look of pure panic cross his face. She stifled further giggles, not wanting to inspire her friend to order the most expensive drink he could think of, purely to get his own back. While top of the range watches were easily within his budget, she’d had to save up for a mid-range Fitbit.

A few minutes later, with drinks in hand, they sat down at a table on the terrace overlooking the river and took simultaneous sips of their chosen beverages. Brianna swallowed the mouthful of chilled white wine, then, without meaning to, let out a long, contented sigh.

Joel raised an eyebrow as he swigged his beer, then said, “Sounds as though you needed that. Tough week?”

“Hmm. You could say that.” She fidgeted in her seat, getting the uncomfortable inkling she’d opened a can of worms she’d have preferred was left undisturbed.

“Oh?” His other eyebrow jumped up to join the first. “Do tell.”

She stared out over the river, screwed up her nose and wafted a hand in his vague direction. “No, no, it’s work stuff. Boring, really. Not worth talking about.”

“Bree.” He grabbed her hand, drawing her attention to his face. His expression was earnest, his gaze intense. “Maybe it is boring, but it’s clearly bothering you, so I want to know about it. I’m your best friend, remember? If you can’t tell me, who can you tell?”

She squeezed his hand, then pulled hers away, picked up her glass and took a gulp. Swallowed, then groaned. There was no putting the lid back on the can—she might as well come out with it. “Oh, all right. It’s just… I don’t know… I think I’m getting a bit fed up of teaching.”

Joel spluttered into his pint, drawing querying glances from a few of the people at tables adjacent to theirs. Ignoring them, Joel put his drink down, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and gaped at her as though she’d grown a second head. “What? But you… you love teaching!”

Nodding sadly, she replied, “I do. The teaching part. The kids. But the rest; the planning, the admin, the assessing, the being assessed, being micromanaged, dealing with parents, the endless fucking meetings, the meetings about meetings, the meetings that could have been an email… it’s getting on top of me. It wasn’t too bad before—the joy of being in the classroom far outweighed the rest, but since the pandemic, the shambles that is bloody Brexit and the subsequent government fuckery, things have become steadily worse. Rules being changed, goalposts moving, budgets being squeezed, funding getting cut, costs going up. We’re expected to work more and more hours for the same amount of pay, with fewer support staff, yet still uphold the same insanely high standards and have enough energy and spark to engage and teach a class of primary school kids! It’s becoming completely untenable. And the strike action hasn’t exactly been stress free.”

Joel gave her a sympathetic smile. “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better. Why haven’t you mentioned this before now?”

She shrugged. “No point. All the decisions are way above my pay grade, so there’s nothing I can do. I’ve just been soldiering on, hoping things will improve. But right now, I honestly can’t see an end in sight. We’re human beings, not robots, and we’re being treated like shit. We’ve come a long way from being lauded as keyworkers, that’s for bloody certain.” She rolled her lips inward, bit down on them, wondering whether she should let the words on the tip of her tongue come out. She’d barely admitted it to herself, much less anyone else. But this was Joel. He’d have her back no matter what she said.

She took a deep breath, huffed it out again, then looked him in the eye. “I’m thinking of jacking it in at the end of term.”


Author Bio:

Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures, Eyes Wide Open, The Persecution of the Wolves, Hiding in Plain Sight, Curve Appeal, and The Heiress’s Harem and The Dreadnoughts series. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 170 publications to her name. Find out more about her and her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/linktree 

 


Release blitz organised by Writer Marketing Services

Wednesday 7 June 2023

Book Tour + #Giveaway - The Ruined Series - by Nichole Rose @AuthNicholeRose #curvygirl #mafiaromance


Series Blurb

The Valentino brothers rule the city of Chicago with closed fists and iron wills. But even kings fall. And the curvy women meant for them are about to drop these crime bosses to their knees. All three books in The Ruined Trilogy can be read as standalones. And don't forget to grab Nico's story to meet the brother they risked everything to save from a life shackled to a criminal empire he didn't want.


Physical Science

The Ruined Trilogy: The Beginning

by

Nichole Rose

Genre: Curvy Girl Mafia Romance


Love is the final test for this professor and his star student.


Nico Valentino

My brothers are mobsters. Criminals.
They rule their kingdoms with iron fists.
I'm nothing like them.
I'm an astrophysicist. A professor.
My lecture hall is full of laughter.
Until I set eyes on Norah Bishop.
She needs my help, but I need her.
And I'll do whatever it takes to keep her.
Even if it means returning to the family I left.


Norah Bishop
All I've ever wanted was to be a scientist like my dad.
But I stumbled into something I shouldn't have.
Now, the biggest criminal in Chicago is coming for me.
And the only person who can help me is his brother...my new professor.
I don't want to drag Nico into this.
But when he touches me, I lose all control.
He's my professor. I think I want him to be my forever instead.
Loving him comes with a price.
But losing him will break me.


If you enjoy over-the-top nerdy men, curvy heroines willing to risk it all, and forbidden student-teacher romance, you'll love Nico and Norah's sugary-sweet and extra steamy story! As always, Nichole Rose books come complete with a guaranteed HEA. Physical Science is the steamy beginning to the Ruined Trilogy. It can be read as a standalone story.

**On Sale for Only .99cents 5/23 – 5/25!!**

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Wrecked

The Ruined Trilogy Book 1

One look at his curvy captive and this Mafia boss will risk it all. Even if it means toppling his own kingdom to the ground...

Rafe Valentino
A life in chains was the deal I made with my father to win my twin's freedom.

My soul is black with the things I've done to keep my promise.
I never regretted any of it until now. Until her.

Amalia Santiago's bravado and fierce defiance make me feel alive in a way I never expected.

I was never meant to fall for her.

I don't deserve to put my filthy hands all over her pristine body.

She's supposed to be my prisoner.

But now, she'll become my world instead.

Amalia Santiago
When the devil came for my foster brother, I let him take me in his place.

I swore I'd find a way out of this mess for both of us.

Except Rafe Valentino wasn't supposed to have a heart...

And I wasn't supposed to fall for the ruthless crime boss.

So why do I come alive when he touches me?

Now, I'm one wrong move from destroying everything.

And nothing is what it seems.

How do I sacrifice the man I love to save my brother?

If you enjoy OTT possessive older men with a little bit of darkness in them and sassy, curvy heroines with heart, get ready to fall for Rafe and Amalia in this sweet and extra steamy romance. As always, Nichole Rose books come complete with a guaranteed HEA. Safe read. No cliffhanger. Each book in the Ruined Trilogy features a different Valentino brother and can be read as a standalone story.

**On Sale for Only .99cents 5/23 only!!**

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Wanton

The Ruined Trilogy Book 2



Falling for the enemy wasn't part of Luca Valentino's plan. But one taste of his curvy captive will change everything for this mafia boss.

Luca
A life in hell was the sacrifice I made to keep my brothers alive.

There's nothing I won't do to see that job through.

Even if it means seducing the enemy.

But I never intended to fall for Callandria Genovese.

She was supposed to be a means to an end, nothing more.

Now, I've got more to lose than ever.

And the woman who holds the key to my future is in chains in my bedroom.

I need her trust. I want her heart.

One way or another, I will have both.

Callandria
I've been taught to hate the Valentino family since I could walk.

I know they killed my grandfather.

But no one warned me that the real monster of the bunch was Luca Valentino.

They didn't tell me I'd find myself imprisoned in his bed, either.
Or that I'd be so reluctant to leave it.
But that's precisely what happened.

Little by little, he's slipping beneath my defenses and making me feel things I shouldn't.

But which side of him is real?

The wanton man who sets me ablaze...or the ruthless mobster who refuses to let me go?

If you like your OTT possessive older men morally gray and your curvy heroines strong, prepare to fall for Luca and Callandria in this steamy mafia romance. As always, Nichole Rose books come complete with a guaranteed HEA. Safe read. No cliffhanger. Each book in the Ruined Trilogy features a different Valentino brother and can be read as a standalone story.

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Wicked

The Ruined Trilogy Book 3

To win her love, this crime boss will need more than money and power.

Gabriel
They say those with the power make the rules.

They lied.

Genesis Santiago refuses to bend to my will.

I know because I've tried.

She wants nothing to do with me.

That isn't going to work for me.

She's the only thing in this world I need.

One way or another, I'll make her mine.

Even if I have to break her to claim her.

Genesis
I know what people say about Gabriel Valentino.

He's not just a billionaire. He's a criminal.

When he catches me trying to steal from him, I expect a quick death.

Instead, the bossy, arrogant man hires me.

But I won't bow to any man…

Not even the one who owns my soul.

Not even to save my own life.

Warning
When this wicked mob boss finds his curvy girl, he'll do whatever it takes to make her his. If you enjoy over-the-top billionaires, willful heroines, and steamy romance with a touch of darkness, you'll love Gabriel and Genesis. As always, Nichole Rose books come complete with a guaranteed HEA. No cheating. Each book in the Ruined Trilogy features a different Valentino brother and can be read as a standalone novel.

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Physical Science Excerpt

"What happened, angel?" I ask, twisting to set the cup on the dresser.

"I shouldn't involve you in this," she mumbles, breaking my gaze to stare at the floor. "He's your brother."

"And you're my…" I almost say future but manage to stop myself. "Student. Let me help you."

She hesitates for so long I think she's going to refuse.

"Please, beautiful girl. Talk to me."

"I saw him kill someone," she blurts out, wringing her hands together.

"What the fuck?"

She grimaces, her face falling again. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said it like that."

"You saw him kill someone?" I say, just to make sure I heard her correctly. Don't get me wrong, I'm not surprised he killed someone. It wouldn't be the first time and I doubt it'll be the last time he drops a body. But the fact that she saw it…that's what's fucking me up. She's too innocent to live with something like that!

She nods miserably. "I was at the harbor, doing some things."

"What things?"

"Just things."

"Norah."

"I was snooping, okay?" she huffs, throwing her hands up. Irritation flashes in her eyes. "I'm nosy and impulsive and I wanted to see what was in all the barrels they keep stored there, so I snuck in to have a look around."

"You're fucking kidding me." She's not kidding me. I can tell by the guilty look on her face that she's being completely serious right now. She broke into the harbor's storage facility to snoop.

"Do you do things like this often?"

"No." She bites her lip, her eyes flitting across my face. "Define often."

"Jesus Christ," I groan, tipping my head back to look up at the ceiling.

"In my defense, I was unsupervised. And bored. And I really, really regret doing it."

I tip my head down to glare at her. "A jury won't care if you're sorry or not, Norah. You committed a felony."

"I know," she admits, her voice small. "But my felony is small fries compared to the other felony that happened while I was there, don't you think?"

Well, she's got me there.

"Tell me what you saw."

"I heard two men arguing by the docks, so I snuck closer to see what was going on. It was your brother and another guy, someone who works for him. He did something that upset your brother. He told the guy that he never should have put his hands on what didn't belong to him, and then he pulled out a gun and s-shot him." She sucks in a deep, shuddering breath. "The man fell into the river."

"Jesus fucking Christ."

"It gets worse," she warns me.

How could it possibly get any worse? She's already admitted to a felony and implicated my brother in a murder. It can't get much worse than that.

"I screamed when the gun went off."

"He saw you?"

She nods again.

Fuck Murphy and her law. Of course it gets worse. Of course it does.

"And I lost my phone when I was running."

"Fucking hell," I swear.

"I didn't mean to!" she cries, tears welling in her eyes.

Poor angel. She's been through hell and back. She doesn't need me cursing at her and making her feel worse. None of this is her fault. It's Rafe's fault. It's my father's fault. It's my fault for not recognizing that her rampant curiosity was bound to lead her into trouble. I should have seen that and done something to protect her.

What am I saying? She isn't mine to protect. She isn't mine, period.

Except…that's not true, is it? Not now. Not anymore. It stopped being true the second she showed up on my doorstep and I carried her inside. She became mine in that moment. If I lose my job for claiming her, so be it. I already decided this semester would be my last because of her. So nothing stood in the way of me claiming her. If I have to fight my brother to keep her safe, so be it. No one is going to harm her. No one.

"I don't know what to do, Nico," she whispers, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I know I shouldn't be here telling you any of this, but you were the first person I thought of. I didn't know where else to go. I can't go to the police."

No, she definitely can't go to them. They'll lock her up for commercial burglary, sealing her fate. If my brother's reach extends anywhere, it's into the heart of every jail and prison cell in this state.

"Hey," I murmur, reaching out for her. This time, she doesn't flinch. I pull her into my arms, holding her. My heart aches as she snuggles into my embrace with a whimper, letting me comfort her as she cries. Part of me, a big part, wants me to be the first person she thought of because she feels the same way I do. The other, more logical part realizes she probably only came here because Rafe is my brother.

I don't suppose her motivation matters either way. She still came here. She still trusted me to keep her safe. She's still mine…and I still have to deal with my brother.

Fuck my life.



Nichole Rose writes filthy, feel-good romance for curvy readers. Her books feature headstrong, sassy women and the alpha males who consume them. From grumpy detectives to country boys with attitude to instalove and over-the-top declarations, nothing is off-limits.

She is sure to have a steamy, sweet story just right for everyone. She fully believes the world is ugly enough without trying to fit falling in love into a one-size-fits-all box.

When not writing, Nichole enjoys fine wine, cute shoes, and everything supernatural. She is happily married to the love of her life and is a proud mama to the world’s most ridiculous fur-babies. She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest.

You can learn more about Nichole and her books at her website or by liking her on Facebook or following her on Instagram.

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